Once you notice it, you can't stop seeing how people dress like each other everywhere

Next time you’re out with friends or in a crowded spot, look around—you’ll notice groups dressed almost identically. It’s like fashion déjà vu; once you spot it, you can’t unsee it.

This isn't about couples who intentionally coordinate but those who do so unconsciously. Try looking for yourself—how often do you see friends sporting similar styles, colors, or accessories like hats or bags? They might even have almost identical outfits with color swaps or flipped patterns. It’s like a subtle signal that says, “We’re together.”

Wardrobe entrainment is everywhere—from and young adults, coworkers, and families who naturally sync their styles. While this phenomenon isn't quite widely recognized online, there are a few fashion sleuths who have been documenting these style twins on Instagram: @PeopleWhoDressTheSame and @friendswhodressalike, which both regularly featuring photos of groups of people taken in Los Angeles, most often around The Grove area.

But it’s not just about fashion—it’s about how our brains are wired to sync with those around us.

Wardrobe entrainment is just one way we naturally sync with those around us. Our brains are wired to find common rhythms, whether through speech, movement, or style. Aniruddh Patel, a Professor of Psychology at Tufts University, notes that musical rhythm can entrain neural oscillations in the brain, helping to synchronize motor actions across people. This synchronization helps us bond and build connections—so next time you’re out, take a closer look. You might spot fashion twins unknowingly in sync.

Psychologists suggest that dressing alike strengthens group identity, signaling, ‘We’re part of the same tribe.’ This behavior aligns with the idea that synchronized actions, like dressing similarly, enhance group cohesion and social bonds.

Ever noticed you’re dressing like the people you spend the most time with? Wardrobe entrainment reveals that our clothes tell a deeper story about our relationships. Whether friends, family, or partners, the clothes you wear could reveal a lot more about your connections than you think. Next time you’re out, observe closely—you might spot fashion doppelgangers painting the town in matching hues.

Still not convinced? Check out these additional snapshots of style doppelgangers spotted near The Grove and the Farmer's Market in Los Angeles —proving once again just how common this unconscious syncing really is.

For more information about entrainment and spontaneous synchronization found in other areas, check out this video: